Building a sand volleyball court is a rewarding but challenging project, especially when faced with unique terrain obstacles. TeamLVC Directors Chris Hosley and Taylor Teal, took on the ambitious task of constructing a professional-grade sand volleyball court in their backyard in upstate New York. As the founders of Team LVC, a volleyball club that has made waves in the region, Chris and his wife, Taylor, were determined to create a high-quality court that would serve as both a practice venue and a testament to their dedication to the sport. Below, Chris shares his detailed process, the tools and materials he used, and valuable tips for anyone looking to build their own court.

Tools Needed
  • Gas-Powered Tamper & Hand Tampers: Essential for compacting the ground and ensuring a stable foundation.
  • Shovels (Small and Large): For moving dirt and sand during the leveling and filling processes.
  • Gravel Rakes: Used to spread gravel and sand evenly.
  • Soft-Faced Mallets: Ideal for placing and leveling retaining wall blocks.
  • Wheelbarrow: For transporting materials like gravel, sand, and dirt.
  • Skid Steer: Highly recommended for transportation, land clearing, or digging if available.
Materials Needed:
  • Black Road Fabric: Laid under the sand to prevent weed growth and ensure proper drainage.
  • Dirt: Used to level the ground before construction.
  • Gravel: For filling retaining wall blocks (optional based on your site’s drainage needs).
  • Rip Rap Stone: To support any pitched wall areas.
  • Retaining Wall Block: Chris used concrete blocks, but 6×6 pressure-treated wood can be an alternative.
  • Sand: Approximately 190 tons of top-quality beach sand were used to minimize dust and compaction.

The total material costs were between $10,000 and $12,000, which included the sand, retaining wall blocks, and other necessary supplies.

Step-by-Step Process:
  1. Level the Ground:
    Chris started by leveling the ground. Due to the uneven terrain, certain areas needed to be built up, and the ground was slightly pitched towards the center to aid drainage.
  2. Lay Down Gravel (Optional):
    If your site doesn’t have built-in drainage, consider laying down gravel before proceeding. Chris skipped this step since his site was built over a leach field with natural drainage capabilities.
  3. Lay Down Road Fabric:
    Chris placed road fabric across the entire area to prevent weed growth and ensure proper drainage under the sand.
  4. Bring in the Sand:
    The next step was transporting and spreading the sand on top of the fabric. Chris used around 190 tons of sand, ensuring a depth of about 18 inches across the entire court.
  5. Mark and Square Off Corners:
    He then marked the corners where the retaining wall would be built, ensuring that the court dimensions allowed for at least 10 feet of playable area on each side.
  6. Build the Retaining Wall:
    Using concrete retaining blocks, Chris constructed the wall around the court. Each block was leveled individually, and gravel was used to fill the center of each block for added stability. The wall was built two courses high with a topper for a finished look.
  7. Extend the Road Fabric:
    The road fabric was extended to the edges of the retaining wall, ensuring it was securely in place to maintain the integrity of the sand and drainage.
  8. Spread Sand Evenly:
    Chris used rakes to distribute the sand evenly across the court, maintaining a consistent depth of around 18 inches.
Setting Up the Net

For the net, Chris and Taylor installed a Spectrum net system. They buried four pieces of 18″ x 12″ pressure-treated plywood (two per pole) with attached hooks for securing the tie-down cam straps. Mini plastic discs were buried in the sand and connected with bungee cords to keep the boundary lines tight and in place.

Final Thoughts and Costs

The project was a significant investment in both time and materials. The costs could have been considerably higher if Chris had hired professionals or needed to rent additional equipment like a skid steer. The end result is a high-quality court that will provide years of enjoyment and serve as an excellent training ground for Team LVC. If you’re considering building your own sand volleyball court, Chris’s experience offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you successfully complete your project.

Watch the Process

For a visual overview of Chris Hosley’s construction journey, check out the 30-second video that captures some of the steps from leveling the ground to the final touches on the court.

TeamLVC (Albany, NY) is a member of the Junior Volleyball Association, an organization committed to enhancing the junior volleyball experience for club directors, coaches, players, and fans.